Wizards of the Coast has launched its latest Magic: The Gathering (MTG) crossover set, Marvel Super Heroes, bringing iconic characters from the Marvel universe into the long-standing collectible card game. This release is part of MTG's "Universes Beyond" initiative, which aims to attract new players by leveraging popular intellectual properties.
The Marvel Super Heroes set features a roster of familiar characters, including Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Doom, and Thanos, among many others. The gameplay mechanics and themes are designed to reflect the characters and their origins. Players will encounter "Hero" and "Villain" creature types with inherent tribal synergies, encouraging teamwork among heroes and fostering rivalries among villains.
New keywords and mechanics are integrated to capture the essence of the Marvel universe. "Teamwork" allows players to activate additional effects by utilizing creatures they control. Some characters, like "Thanos, the Mad Titan," possess a "Power-up" ability that can be used once per game to trigger a potent additional effect, such as removing creatures based on mana value. Dual-faced cards represent characters with distinct alter egos, such as Bruce Banner and The Hulk, allowing players to choose which side to deploy or transform them mid-game.
Villainous schemes are represented by "Plans," which typically require multiple turns to fulfill but offer significant rewards. "Connive" is another villain-focused mechanic that involves drawing and discarding a card, aiding in creature stat boosts, deck cycling, and synergizing with discard strategies. The set also includes thematic equipment like "Mjölnir, Hammer of Thor," which can only be equipped by a "worthy" creature, adding a unique layer of flavor.
For newcomers to Magic: The Gathering, particularly Marvel fans, the set is positioned as an accessible entry point. The article suggests that the best way to begin is by focusing on learning the core mechanics rather than immediately diving into the collectible aspects. The "Jumpstart" format, which involves combining two Jumpstart booster packs to create a deck, is highlighted as a low-friction method for immediate play, offering a balanced experience when played against a similarly equipped opponent.
More comprehensive onboarding is provided by the MTG Beginner Box, which includes tutorial decks with step-by-step instructions covering basic turn flow, mechanics, and combat considerations. This box also contains playmats and a rules reference guide. Following the tutorial, players can transition to Jumpstart to experiment with different color combinations and strategies.
Once a basic understanding of the game is achieved, the Commander format, using preconstructed decks, is recommended. Commander involves building a 100-card deck around a chosen legendary creature, which acts as a central commander. The Marvel Super Heroes set offers four preconstructed Commander decks, each with unique themes and commanders, such as "Avengers Assemble" and a versatile Fantastic Four-themed deck. This format is noted for its social aspect and potential for up to six players, emphasizing fun over strict competition. The pricing for these entry points varies, with the Beginner Box costing approximately AUD $65 and Jumpstart packs around AUD $12.95 each, while Commander preconstructed decks retail for about AUD $140.